The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It

It's only because they like me. I was in the right place at the right time. I just work harder than the others. I don't deserve this. It's just a matter of time before I am found out. Someone must have made a terrible mistake. If you are a working woman, chances are this inter�nal monologue sounds all too familiar. And you're not alone. From the high-achieving PhD candidatIt's only because they like me. I was in the right place at the right time. I just work harder than the others. I don't deserve this. It's just a matter of time before I am found out. Someone must have made a terrible mistake. If you are a working woman, chances are this inter�nal monologue sounds all too familiar. And you're not alone. From the high-achieving PhD candidate convinced she's only been admitted to the program because of a clerical error to the senior executive who worries others will find out she's in way over her head, a shocking number of accomplished women in all ca�reer paths and at every level feel as though they are faking it-impostors in their own lives and careers. In The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, Valerie Young explains what the impostor syndrome is, why fraud fears are more common in women, and how you can recognize the way it mani�fests in your life. With her empowering, step-by-step plan, you will learn to take ownership of your success, overcome self-doubt, and banish the thought patterns that undermine your ability to feel-and act-as bright and capable as others already know you are....more

Community Reviews

I would rate this book a 4.5 and not because it's the most riveting book I've ever read, but because it was life changing information for me.

One thing that shocked me are the sum total of all the little remarks that permeate our society that are subtle put-downs to women. I thought we had come so far as women, and yet women are demeaned every day in subtle ways that affect how we perceive ourselves. I was shocked at the blind studies that show that women have to work harder to be taken as serioI would rate this book a 4.5 and not because it's the most riveting book I've ever read, but because it was life changing information for me.

One thing that shocked me are the sum total of all the little remarks that permeate our society that are subtle put-downs to women. I thought we had come so far as women, and yet women are demeaned every day in subtle ways that affect how we perceive ourselves. I was shocked at the blind studies that show that women have to work harder to be taken as seriously, out-perform men in orchestras, defend their grants and dissertations harder, are chosen for jobs less with the same credentials, etc... It was horrifying to me! It's funny, because I honestly hadn't noticed these put-downs, and a few hours after I finished the book, I turned on the TV while we were preparing dinner and I heard SEVERAL negative references toward women on a cooking show, including one man yelling at another man in an attempt to put him down said something like "Go get your tampons, and go with the girls, you little B!*ch!" Why is it that when men want to put other men down, they will make references to being or acting like a girl as if that's the ultimate insult? Other things are more subtle, such as diminishing the efforts or work of a female, such as "How is your *little* project coming?"

Another thing that shocked me is that how much men as a whole will BS their way through things, even with limited knowlege to make others feel like they know all kinds of things they don't. An account of a woman at Harvard, feeling like she didn't measure up to everyone else there intellectually, came into class talking about a labratory experiment on rats she had just witnessed, and the professor misunderstood what she said, and went off saying "Oh I've heard of Smurf's work. 5 other people chimed in, acting like they'd read Smurf's work, were following his career, when all along she just said that the lab experiment was conducted in a kiddie pool with a Smurf motif (ya know the blue cartoon characters!!!) And yet all these highly intellectual people acted like they knew Smurt and were following his work!!! It changed the way she looked at people including her professors at Harvard, and she no longer felt like a fraud.

This book doesn't just illuminate problems, but it offers real solutions for implementing the material, and changing ones' thinking and actions. I actually took the time to work through the activities at the end of each chapter, and I found it tremendously helpful.

I want all my sisters to read this book, my daughters to read it, and really every woman who wants to realize their full potential in school, at work, or in life! Even though the title can be off-putting for men, I truly think that any man who is a minority could benefit. Also any person, man or woman, who is trying to go from blue collar to white collar, or raise above poverty, or elevate their status or position. Any student could benefit... We ALL deserve a place at the table!

I'm going to go back through and read it again and underline my book. This is one of the best, most practical self help books I've ever read.

I remember attending a talk by Young on Imposter Syndrome when I was a bewildered first-year graduate student at MIT. She was a great speaker and her words were timely, giving me a huge sense of relief. I may not have let "imposter thoughts" go immediately, but she got me thinking about it seriously.

Fast forward a few years - I'm a Ph.D. candidate now and in a much more peaceful place for various reasons. Young's book was still an interesting read, but not really in the same way. Her work is defI remember attending a talk by Young on Imposter Syndrome when I was a bewildered first-year graduate student at MIT. She was a great speaker and her words were timely, giving me a huge sense of relief. I may not have let "imposter thoughts" go immediately, but she got me thinking about it seriously.

Fast forward a few years - I'm a Ph.D. candidate now and in a much more peaceful place for various reasons. Young's book was still an interesting read, but not really in the same way. Her work is definitely worthwhile and good, but after thinking about it for a few years and coming back to it, I felt it was missing a deeper discussion. For example, she makes a good case for why imposter syndrome isn't helpful, but could it also be harmful in a bigger way? Misplaced pride?

Also, if I were to recommend a book to someone on this sort of topic, I would probably put Brené Brown's work in their hands first. Not quite the same thing as Young's work, but Brown cuts to the heart of topics like shame/vulnerability using [what sounds like to a non-psychologist] fairly rigorous research. After that, read Young's work - it makes an excellent case study....more

This book is all about the imposter syndrome in women--thinking that you're a fake and you don't deserve the success or the happiness that you have. I was quite certain I had this, but as I read this book and learned about the causes and symptoms and signs and coping mechanisms of the "syndrome" I kept thinking "NONE of these apply to me!" So . . . I guess this book helped me to figure out that I'm an arrogant little thing who thinks she deserves great things in this world.

The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women gave me the pep talk I needed.

I never knew the Impostor Syndrome existed, because I always believed in what I am doing. It is rare for me to experience doubts in the things I do. Whenever I accomplish something, I own it and I truly believe that I deserve it.

Occasionally, I would cry for unknown reasons I do not understand. Probably it is because of the self-conflict when it comes to the success I foresee after I accomplish things. Maybe it is because I aThe Secret Thoughts of Successful Women gave me the pep talk I needed.

I never knew the Impostor Syndrome existed, because I always believed in what I am doing. It is rare for me to experience doubts in the things I do. Whenever I accomplish something, I own it and I truly believe that I deserve it.

Occasionally, I would cry for unknown reasons I do not understand. Probably it is because of the self-conflict when it comes to the success I foresee after I accomplish things. Maybe it is because I am the perfectionist who overprepares and have a low tolerance for my own shortcomings, which then defines the whole scenario to failure.

I grew up in an environment where I am usually in the top of my class, and during high school, boys would often tease me about being a nerd. One bully prophesied that the only job I could get someday would be a calculator. Math is my forte, but after several years, I took that comment as a compliment. In those days, I felt left out. I was too smart for any of them. Also, when I have a lengthy opinion in class, it would be too intellectual for them to comprehend that they just clap their hands halfway through. The stench of sarcasm traveled faster in the air as they continued their applause.

This booked perked me up a little and gave me some guidelines on the way women think and explained the behavior of men. I believe the application of the advice is crucial in my case since I will be in a workplace dominated by men. This could help me assert my girl power and stop me from having inadequate feelings.

I like how it presented the kind of mental scenarios women face, especially the one about lower self-esteem, which is a common problem. Even I with high self-esteem still face the lowest of lows, which proves this does not make me invincible against the issue that most girls are facing.

This would be a helpful book, especially to those women who aspire for success in a man-driven world. I do not think this is a matter of feminism, I believe that the psychology about the differences between the way men and women think should be expounded on. Valerie Young did a thorough job in understanding the mindset of both genders and introduced ways on how to conquer the Impostor Syndrome. The common quote: "Fake it until you make it." is the general theme of the book.

All people have their ups and downs, but women are generally more vulnerable. Self-doubt could activate the flight or fight mechanism. Men are known to not really care about what other people think, while women are more sensitive to criticism. This sounds stereotypical, but it is a general truth that men earn more than women, because women usually just settle for an easier working environment. The book explains at a deeper depth about this crucial difference.

I still find it amazing how I do know some of the tips from self-learning. Reading the lines gave me important realizations and concrete verification.

Overall, it all comes down to positive thinking and dealing with a problem when it actually exists, not when it is theoretical....more

In the first chapter, I felt a bit left out, like this book wasn't really for me. After another couple chapters, I did wonder whether I had such a deeply repressed case of Imposter Syndrome that even this book couldn't help me. By chapter four, I felt utterly miserable. Then I just go bored with it all.

While I think everyone suffers from these thoughts now and again, some definitely more than others, this book isn't for me. By the time I put it aside, I was actually a little bit angry and couldIn the first chapter, I felt a bit left out, like this book wasn't really for me. After another couple chapters, I did wonder whether I had such a deeply repressed case of Imposter Syndrome that even this book couldn't help me. By chapter four, I felt utterly miserable. Then I just go bored with it all.

While I think everyone suffers from these thoughts now and again, some definitely more than others, this book isn't for me. By the time I put it aside, I was actually a little bit angry and could be heard to utter such phrases as "get over it already," and "let's get on with it."

I have sympathy for those who feel their achievements aren't properly due them. I know a lot of creatives who struggle with this. I wish they didn't. Our society is impossibly twisted about some things, and between awarding kindergartners for remembering to wash their hands and overlooking the quiet kid who consistently turns in their work on time, there's a lot of room for us to develop insecurities. I have a ton of them. But I don't feel like an imposter. I work hard at everything I do, and while luck sometimes plays a part in my success, mostly it's me putting myself out there and taking risks. I don't feel like I'll be uncovered as a fraud at some point. More, I hope to one day have everyone saying, "Oh my God, she's brilliant. We should have been throwing parades for her sooner."

(j/k. mostly.)

I hope that the folks who do need this book find it of value. There is a lot of research here and some very thoughtful exercises, which I found enlightening, regardless of whether I felt I needed this book or not....more

I had a crisis of confidence during a recent author's conference. I debated about saying anything on social media, but finally did ... and the outpouring of "me too" was both gratifying and disturbing.

In the course of the ensuing discussion, this book was recommended to me ... and I cannot say how glad I was. Author Valerie Young goes not into just what impostor syndrome looks and feels like, but also where it comes from (she postulates seven different origins). The one that resonated with me wI had a crisis of confidence during a recent author's conference. I debated about saying anything on social media, but finally did ... and the outpouring of "me too" was both gratifying and disturbing.

In the course of the ensuing discussion, this book was recommended to me ... and I cannot say how glad I was. Author Valerie Young goes not into just what impostor syndrome looks and feels like, but also where it comes from (she postulates seven different origins). The one that resonated with me was the expectation that anything less than perfection was evidence of incompetence. I was the kid who got in trouble for the one B amongst all of the A grades. I was the kid who, upon folding towels to help with household chores, was told I did it wrong because the design had to go on the outside and the folds in a particular order. You get the picture.

So, suffice it to say I've had many years with a little niggling voice telling me that I wasn't good enough. It didn't matter how many awards or honors I earned.

What I found out from this book is that a whole *slew* of people, almost all of them women, have this same experience on a daily basis. The good news is there are ways to combat impostor syndrome. The tricky bit is that, just like strengthening muscles, it takes work. However, there are practical tools in this book that give the reader ways to make it through to the other side.

Am I ready to take on the world? Perhaps. I know that there is work yet to do. However, I also know that I have a tool kit that I didn't previously possess and that it will make a great deal of difference in the long run....more

I had thought this would be a book of "secret thoughts of successful women." But this is something of a misnomer. The book is not filled with interviews and discussions from successful women. The first chapter or two has lots of quotes, which is great. But then the author launches into a psychological analysis of her theories on the imposter syndrome, especially for women, and then how to combat feeling like an imposter. This is useful stuff, so I adapted to my disappointment and kept reading.

HoI had thought this would be a book of "secret thoughts of successful women." But this is something of a misnomer. The book is not filled with interviews and discussions from successful women. The first chapter or two has lots of quotes, which is great. But then the author launches into a psychological analysis of her theories on the imposter syndrome, especially for women, and then how to combat feeling like an imposter. This is useful stuff, so I adapted to my disappointment and kept reading.

However, this book is dated - it's really entirely oriented toward Baby Boomers. For example, she's talking about girls growing up unable to play sports until Title IX passed in 1972 and how that created an imposter syndrome in all women. That's her target audience - those women. So the material really falls short in some areas where she's speaking about women, because what she's saying is pretty remote from the experience of Generation X-and-later women. And the material thus becomes inaccessible at times, for whole sections, because she's basing her work on the experiences of Boomers. This got very tiring.

I would say - read the first half. That will give you a good eye-opener to the nature of the imposter feelings you might be having.

I was lucky enough to see Dr Young give a seminar at my university. The talk was really helpful---not just great lecture content, but also interactive segments of discussion with fellow students at our tables, showing us firsthand just how many other people across campus deal with similar worries.

This book is just fine, but I don't think I got anything extra out of it beyond what was in the seminar. So: try to hear her speak instead if you can, though the book is a fine alternative if you can't.I was lucky enough to see Dr Young give a seminar at my university. The talk was really helpful---not just great lecture content, but also interactive segments of discussion with fellow students at our tables, showing us firsthand just how many other people across campus deal with similar worries.

This book is just fine, but I don't think I got anything extra out of it beyond what was in the seminar. So: try to hear her speak instead if you can, though the book is a fine alternative if you can't.

The book talks a lot about broad differences between men and women, but I found much of it applies to me too (maybe I didn't get the typical guy experience of playing on team sports? but many women play team sports too...). So take that with a grain of salt.

* p.28: She gives "you were raised by humans" as a core reason for impostor syndrome: your parents did their best but still couldn't shield you from this phenomenon. Your parents might have praised too much, or not enough, or in the wrong ways, etc... That's helpful in a way, but terrifying to me as a parent! How *should* I raise my son to *prevent* him having impostor feelings (or other issues)? No help here.

* p.40, Martha Graham: "No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."Sounds like academia too :)

* p.51-2, funny quotes in discussion about how non-competent men manage to power through anyway, while non-competent women hold themselves back:"I am working for the time when unqualified blacks, browns, and women join the unqualified men in running our government." --Sissy Farenthold"Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel." --Bella Abzug

* p.59: story about Sheryl Sandberg giving a talk about needing more women leaders, then saying it's the last question, and all the women in audience dutifully put their hands down---but men didn't, so she kept answering men's questions.***I need to watch out for this myself when I teach a class! Be especially careful not to let certain folks dominate the discussion!

* p.76: she categorizes impostor syndrome defense mechanisms into a few categories: overworking, never finishing, procrastination, etc. The one I probably relate to the most is the "ever-changing profile": change majors, careers, interests, etc. I enjoy being legitimately new to things and learning, but I worry that I don't stick around long enough to get really deep mastery.

* p.83: What is your "crusher", the "core negative belief we hold about ourselves"? Mine might be something about not being an independent thinker/actor.A few times in the past, I've made bad choices just because a good choice was suggested by someone else, and I didn't want to feel like I was following their lead instead of doing it my own way.Plus, I'm not afraid of admitting I don't know something, or that my work isn't perfect; but before meeting with advisors or supervisors to discuss a question about where to go next, part of me is always worried that they'll think, "Why didn't you know to do this next thing? Obviously you should have tried that before bothering me with your questions."They've (almost) never said or implied this---but a deep part of me worries about it all the time anyway.

* p.108: she also categorizes impostor syndrome "competence types": in what (unhealthy) way do you define competence for yourself? I relate to each of them a little bit. Here, about the Perfectionist, she mentions people who see a right and wrong way to do everything, and can't delegate because they don't trust others to do it right. "When you do delegate, you are often frustrated and disappointed at the results." I can certainly relate! Usually it's fine, but sometimes I really need to be better about letting go.

* p.110: "Half-ass is better than no ass."

* p.120: "Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects." --Will RogersAlso, discussion of the Expert, who won't jump into anything until they feel sure they're ready to do it 100% right. "And you certainly don't want to promise something unless you're absolutely certain you can deliver." I relate here too; the problem is when you spend years and years preparing but never act, like folks who keep collecting more and more credentials and degrees, but never use those skills to make contributions to the world.

* p.126, about the Rugged Individualist type, who thinks competence means going it alone (perhaps the one I relate to most, in some situations anyway):"The truth is that Diane couldn't handle the job. But under the same circumstances neither could John or anyone else. The critical difference is that he knew it, which is why he felt perfectly entitled to ask for what he needed in order to do it. ... Competence doesn't mean knowing how to do everything yourself. Instead, competence means knowing how to identify the resources needed to get the job done."That really strikes home. If I can't get certain software to work or find a certain step in a proof by myself, that's OK---I *am* entitled to ask for help. I just need to remember it's OK :)

* p.128: "Truly competent people not only ask for advice, but they delegate wherever and whenever they can. ... The rule of thumb is to assign a task to the lowest level in the organization at which it can be performed competently---not perfectly, competently."

* p.130, about the Superman/Superwoman/Superstudent type, who thinks they need to do well in *all* areas of life at the same time:"I was approached by two doctoral students who were managing to meet rigorous academic demands while simultaneously holding down full-time jobs. That would be impressive enough, but they were also raising young children who had their own overly full roster of extracurricular activities. I was exhausted just hearing about their overextended lives. I assumed that they approached me for advice on how they could offload some responsibilities. Instead these women wanted to talk about how guilty they felt about not having time to do volunteer work in their community."Yeah... I feel really bad when I turn down requests to volunteer. But it wouldn't help to commit to something I can't do well on top of my school+work+family duties already.

* p.134: "Just stop expecting yourself to remain in a constant state of extreme brilliance. Instead strive to feel comfortable with being fabulously adequate."What a great phrase: fabulously adequate!

* p.142: good to keep in mind as a parent: after a failure, sometimes girls hear "Don't you worry your pretty little head ... If it's too hard, you don't have to try." Instead, it's better to say, "That was a really tough break, honey. But if you really want to make the team, then you have to try again. And when you do we'll support you one hundred percent."

* p.144: different ways that (stereotypically) men and women use communication as a tool: guys try to fix problems, gals try to express feelings. A guy saying "Stop worrying about it" is sincerely trying to help, but it can come across as "Stop talking about it," which isn't helpful when what you need to hear instead is support, like "I feel that way too sometimes."

* p.148: psychologist Peter Gray "found the most constructive and amiable interactions were those in which an individual reached out to an older mentor or peer for advice."Apparently from "How to Take Feedback" by Karen Wright.

* p.174: "But if ... Dave doesn't understand the game, he might respond to what was a purely ritualized apology on your part with Well, obviously you weren't very clear, because I sent you exactly what you asked for. Okay, now you're pissed because you weren't really sorry! You were just trying to help him save face and preserve the relationship."Happens to me too---not just to women!

* p.210: bullshitting is "closer to bluffing than to telling a lie" ... The whole fake-it-till-you-make-it thing isn't necessarily lying about your competence. It can just be thought of "impression management," giving yourself the chance to learn on the fly instead of self-selecting yourself out before you get that chance.

It was mid-November and the few remaining leaves rattled on the trees. I welcomed the winter chill, since ice air helped keep my mind off the nausea. I breathed it carefully one day as I waddled over to William James Hall (known to the intelligentsia as Billy Jim) to attend a class. I arrived a few minutes early and decided to use the extra time to visit a friend in the Psychology Department, one floor above the Sociology Department, where my class was held. My friend was in her lab, conducting an experiment that consisted of implanting wires into the brains of live rats, then making the rats swim around in a tub of reconstituted dry milk. She told me why she was doing this, but I have no memory of what she said. Maybe she was making soup. Whatever the reason, she had put the rats and the milk in a children’s wading pool, the kind you fill up with a hose so that toddlers can splash around on a hot summer day. The tub was decorated with pictures of Smurfs. Smurfs, for those of you who are not culturally aware, are little blue people whose antics you may have observed on Saturday morning cartoons during the 1980s. I personally feel that the Smurfs were cloying, saccharine little monsters, but Katie adored them.

After chatting with my rat-molesting friend for a moment, I excusedmyself and headed downstairs for the seminar. There were seven or eight other graduate students in attendance, along with a couple of extra professors who had come to hear the latest twist on established theories. I felt the way I always did when I walked into a classroom at Harvard, that I had just entered a den of lions---not starving lions, perhaps, but lions who were feeling a little peckish. The people in the room were fearsomely brilliant, and I was always terrified that I would say just one completely idiotic thing, make one breathtakingly asinine comment that would expose me as a boorish, politically incorrect half-wit.

“Ah, Martha,” said the course instructor, “we’ve been waiting for you.”

I blushed. I had stopped at the rest room to blow a few chunks, and had been hoping that the class would start a bit late. I did not want to be the focus of attention.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I was upstairs in the Psych lab, watching rats swim around in a Smurf pool.”

“I see,” said the instructor, “Yes, I believe I’ve read about that.”

A professor, one of the visiting dignitaries, chimed in. “How is Smurf’s work going?” he inquired. “I understand he’s had some remarkable findings.”

“Yes,” said a graduate student. “I read his last article.”

There was a general murmur of agreement. It seems that everyone in the room was familiar with Dr. Smurf, and his groundbreaking work with swimming rats.

It took me a few discombobulated seconds to figure out that everyone at the seminar assumed a Smurf pool was named for some famous psychological theorist. I guess they thought it was like a Skinner box, the reinforcement chamber used by B. F. Skinner to develop the branch of psychological theory known as behaviorism. Comprehension blossomed in my brain like a lovely flower.

“I think,” I said solemnly, “that Smurf is going to change the wholedirection of linguistic epistemology.”

I beamed at them, struggling desperately not to laugh. It wasn’t so much that I wanted to mock these people. I was giddy with exhilaration, because after seven years at Harvard, I was just beginning to realize that I wasn’t the only one faking it. I had bluffed my way through many a cocktail party, pretending to know all about whichever scholar or theory was the current topic of conversation. I had always wondered how I survived among the staggeringly intelligent people lurking all around me. Now I was beginning to understand.

“He’s a good man, Smurf is,” said the instructor solemnly.

And thus I learned that at Harvard, while knowing a great deal is the norm and knowing everything is the goal, appearing to know everything is considered an acceptable substitute.

Though I did not agree or relate with some of what was presented, I gained some insight and understanding as to why I do not feel as confident as I should. I mean, I ask myself why do some people (idiotic men) have so much confidence and seem like they are super human? I am smarter, tougher, funnier, more educated. Why do I feel inadequate at times? Well, apparently some "fake it till they make it." As an example, this book talked about how men will apply for jobs for which they are only partialThough I did not agree or relate with some of what was presented, I gained some insight and understanding as to why I do not feel as confident as I should. I mean, I ask myself why do some people (idiotic men) have so much confidence and seem like they are super human? I am smarter, tougher, funnier, more educated. Why do I feel inadequate at times? Well, apparently some "fake it till they make it." As an example, this book talked about how men will apply for jobs for which they are only partially qualified for, while women will not apply for a job unless they meet most to all of the criteria on the job description. I've read this before elsewhere. But in all truth, this book reiterates that we, women, should believe in our abilities because we can adapt amazingly and take on new challenges and make changes. We just lack confidence. And, further, it's ok to take a leap of faith or take a risk because we are capable of learning as we go and wholly capable of finding solutions to problems that come up. Well, hell yeah!! Sometimes we (I) forget how awesome I am because my mind gets stuck in worry and hung up on the "what ifs" of failure. I NEED TO STOP THINKING THAT WAY!!

The best thing I got out of this book was a reference to this article: No One Knows What the F*ck They're Doing. This is sheds light on how men and women differ when if comes to tackling new challenges and taking risks. Definitely and must read!! http://jangosteve.com/post/380926251/......more

An excellent read for women and men. Ever had that feeling that you're not worthy of your success? Or that you landed where you are by pure luck? Or somebody screwed up in administration and gave you a place you don't deserve? You feel that it's only a matter of time before somebody uncovers that you're a fraud. Then this one is worth a read, especially if you are a woman or entrepreneur. Most of us experience some degree of Impostor Syndrome in our lives. Stop allowing it to hold you back. ForAn excellent read for women and men. Ever had that feeling that you're not worthy of your success? Or that you landed where you are by pure luck? Or somebody screwed up in administration and gave you a place you don't deserve? You feel that it's only a matter of time before somebody uncovers that you're a fraud. Then this one is worth a read, especially if you are a woman or entrepreneur. Most of us experience some degree of Impostor Syndrome in our lives. Stop allowing it to hold you back. For those of us trying to make the world a better place, or simply doing something you believe in, this book offers a brilliant insight into impostor syndrome and ways of dealing with it. ...more

If you have ever thought, "I can't do this" or "I'm not good enough", this book is for you.

Valerie Young makes anyone feel like they fit in when they think they are imposters in their lives. I have felt like I was drowning and that I would never succeed because I thought I wasn't the right person for the job. As it turns out, I CAN do this, and I WILL succeed simply because I can.

Women, let's use this advice to help each other and raise each other up!

I did not finish this book. What part I did read wasn't bad, it was quite interesting. It was picked for my book club but I just couldn't get into it after a long stressful day. I needed something less factual and more entertaining to have an escape from daily life. This book just wasn't that. I do want to revisit it when things have calmed down in my life though.

Young brings up many points and stories that made me rethink or examine how I look at success, proficiency, and patterns of my own. I’m glad I finished the book.

Several anecdotes seem out of place, and in few spots, she fails to connect the stories back to the point she tries to establish in particular chapters or sub-sections. Young brings up many points and stories that made me rethink or examine how I️ look at success, proficiency, and patterns of my own. I’m glad I️ finished the book.

Several anecdotes seem out of place, and in few spots, she fails to connect the stories back to the point she tries to establish in particular chapters or sub-sections. ...more

I really enjoy the discussion of imposter syndrome and appreciate the work that this author and others have done toward recognizing it and bringing it out into discussion. However, I didn't find the book that helpful in working through the feelings and issues with experiencing it. Narrator was good.

I listened to this on audiobook but want to re-read it on my Kindle. It's an important book for women who aspire to leadership and management positions in male-dominated fields. It should also be required reading for male leaders and managers to raise awareness about the experience of many women who desire upward career mobility.

I think I would have given this higher stars if I hadn't picked it up after going to her workshop. This was a good book, but it almost exactly follows her workshop/speech. I expected the book to have further information. Even the examples were the same. Still, well written in a easy-going voice, and good information :)

This is my second time reading the book, and I find it just as helpful as the first time. The book definitely boosts morale and does a great job letting the reader know that they're not alone. For me, it helped to point out certain weak areas, such as a procrastinator mindset that I wasn't consciously aware of.

It's really comforting to know that the author and so many other women understood how I feel like an impostor and experienced just what I am going through. Now after reading this book I am confident that I have the rights to continuous learning, the rights to have an off day to make mistakes, and the rights to be confident as my work will help not only myself but others too.

I learned stuff that will help me understand others; but I might be the only woman without impostor syndrome so.

I have heard the noted "crusher" thought mentioned before. It's the idea that ou believe this singular thing about yourself and that leads you to doubt yourself. Mine is more related to my personal life so I guess that's why I feel good about work?

I took her in-person workshop and enjoyed that more than the book. I recommend either take her workshop if you can OR read the book, but doing both makes it all too repetitive. I did enjoy the short 'chutzpah' stories at the very end of the book.

I loved the content of this so much - more people need to learn about imposter syndrome. However, I felt like while the first few chapters were excellent, it go somewhat repetitive. Unfortunately, I think this could have been much shorter and it would have been better as a result.

Delving deeply into impostor syndrome, this book offers invaluable advice to men and women alike. Everybody should read it (even overconfident type A men, who could benefit from learning a bit more about gender dynamics and why not everyone thinks like them). Truly a book for everyone.

I hesitated on 5 only because I personally don't like books with exercises that stop the flow of ideas. This reads fairly smoothly, despite the suggested exercises, which are mostly concentrated in the beginning. I found this book to be very insightful and I took pages of notes.

VALERIE YOUNG is an internationally known workshop leader and public speaker and the former marketing manager at a Fortune 200 company. Her work has been cited in such publications as Women’s Day, Redbook, Fitness, Self, Cosmopolitan, Inc., and the Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and Globe and Mail. She lives in Montague, Massachusetts. Visit the au¬thor online at www.impostorsyndrome.com.

“You can have all the confidence in the world and still be reluctant to self-promote out of a steadfast belief that a person’s work should speak for itself. It doesn’t.”
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“Years from now no one will remember all the extra projects you took on or your meticulously organized garage. What they—and you—will recall is the time you said no to a work assignment to take your kids to the science museum or when you ignored household chores to enjoy the sunset.”
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